Eugen's Blog

>>Main article: Sokolsky/Polish Opening (1.b4). Basic Opening Theory.<<
The following diagram displays the initial position of the Birmingham Gambitin the 1. b4 opening, a rare choice for Black:
Unfortunately it is unclear which Bir...

>>Main article: Sokolsky/Polish Opening (1.b4). Basic Opening Theory.<<
The following diagram displays the initial set-up of the Advance Variation, a rare line of the Sokolsky Opening:
Sometimes it can be played by an unprepared p...

>>Main article: Sokolsky/Polish Opening (1.b4). Basic Opening Theory.<<
The Outflank Variation is a frequent defense by Black at high level. In the following diagram you can see the initial set-up of this variation:
Another "refuta...

>>Main article: Sokolsky/Polish Opening (1.b4). Basic Opening Theory.<<
The diagram below displays the starting position of the Dutch Defense in the 1. b4 opening. This is a fairly rare defense which Black uses in high level games.
...

>>Main article: Sokolsky/Polish Opening (1.b4). Basic Opening Theory.<<
The German Defense is not a very frequent continuation where Black develops his Queen as early as on move two.
This early Queen move seems unreasonable. Do you ...

>>Main article: Sokolsky/Polish Opening (1.b4). Basic Opening Theory.<<
In the Queens's Indian Variation Black plays 1... Nf6 with the following e6, b6 and fianchetto of the light-squared bishop. You won't meet this variation very oft...

>>Main article: Sokolsky/Polish Opening (1.b4). Basic Opening Theory.<<
The King's Indian Variation is a popular defense against the 1. b4 opening. Black plays 1... Nf6 followed by g6 and fianchettoing of the dark-squared bishop.
So...

>>Main article: Sokolsky/Polish Opening (1.b4). Basic Opening Theory.<<
The Main line (term by Alexey Sokolsky) is a very frequent variation of the 1. b4 opening where Black uses d5 supported by Nf6 and e6.There are two fundamental ...

>>Main article: Sokolsky/Polish Opening (1.b4). Basic Opening Theory.<<
The Sokolsky Gambit (also known as the Tartakower Gambit) is the most theoretical and complicated line in the 1. b4 opening as well as the sharpest one!The initia...

>>Main article: Sokolsky/Polish Opening (1.b4). Basic Opening Theory.<<
The Exchange variation is the most frequent line you'll face in the 1.b4 opening (according to database). Some hotheads even call this variation a refutation of t...

Recently I have played a rather boring game against the computer. This game would not even worth mentioning if it wasn't my best win so far (not in terms of style or strategy but considering my opponent's rating). It was the highest rating adversa...

Here is a questionnaire suggested by SonofPearl. I also decided to follow the example of Ryan and Chessiq and have completed it. 1. How long have you been playing chess? Have you played it consistently since you started, or were there lulls in you...